BIRMINGHAM, Alabama—Birmingham Mayor William Bell, during the December 22 city council meeting, presented a proclamation honoring the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) for receiving the Star Library designation.

In November, the Library Journal named BPL a 2015 Star Library, one of just seven in Alabama to make the list. The national publication compiles statistical information, based on population and spending, and rates libraries in a variety of categories. The eighth-annual LI Index compares public libraries with their spending peers based on four per capita output measures: circulation, library visits, program attendance, and public Internet use.

Out of the 7,663 public libraries in the United States scored by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, only 261 received the designation of being named a Star Library. BPL received a three-Star rating. Homewood Public Library, a sister library in Jefferson County, obtained a four-Star rating. BPL was also named a three-Star Library in 2010 and 2012 as well.

Birmingham Public Library Director Angela Fisher Hall said the Star Library designation from Library Journal is a tribute to the BPL staff, and the support it receives from the City of Birmingham.

“We are so honored that the Birmingham Public Library is being recognized for providing excellent services and programs for our patrons,” Hall said. “This Star Status shows that our 19 BPL locations remain relevant and provide a valuable service for our citizens. As director, I would like to publicly thank our employees for their dedication and hard work they provide for the citizens of Birmingham.”

Birmingham Public Library is among 54 new or returning Star Libraries—ones that were not Stars in last year’s ratings. Among libraries spending $10 million–$29.9 million, there are three new three-Star winners: Birmingham Public Library, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Stark County District Library, Canton, Ohio. The 2015 Star Libraries are found in 41 states scattered across the country geographically.

For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website at www.bplonline.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system—with 19 locations and serving the community for 129 years—is one of the largest library systems in the southeast.